Monthly Archives: January 2013
Spring test set for Gulf salmon excluders – “It’s an evolution,”
“Think about a salmon stream,” Gauvin said. “Think about a rock in a salmon stream. A salmon noses up behind that and uses it as a way to get out of the flow, this thing has dead water above it and so what a salmon will do is it will rise above that.” Then the salmon goes above the flapper, where floats pull the top of the net up to create more room, and if they swim forward, they can leave the net. “Pollock can go up there, some of them will, but they can’t swim forward against the flow,” Gauvin said. Read more
Maine PUC to consider offshore wind project
The Maine Public Utilities Commission is scheduled to deliberate Thursday on the proposal to put four, three-megawatt wind turbines on floating spar-buoy structures tethered to the seabed in 460 feet of water off Boothbay Harbor.A spokeswoman for Statoil tells The Portland Press Herald (http://bit.ly/WWlEjO ) that state approval is critical. Without it, the company may shift focus to Japan or Europe. Read more
Chukchi Trawl Survey Sheds Light on Unexplored Waters by Lauren Rosenthal
Fishing is off-limits in the Arctic, but last summer, a pair of commercial trawlers traveled north to the Chukchi Sea. They were on a scientific mission, to conduct the first-ever comprehensive study of the Chukchi’s ecosystem.
New Coast Guard HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft now operating out of Air Station Cape Cod
The HC-144 Ocean Sentry, received by Air Station Cape Cod in August 2012, is a more efficient platform with the ability remain in the air for a greater amount of time.
The radar and imagery sensors represent the latest in technologies and the added cargo ramp increases the amount of gear and supplies that can be air-dropped to a vessel or persons in distress. Read more
From NOAA Fisheries Enforcement Director Bruce Buckson – Draft Division Enforcement Priorities for 2013
Jan. 24, 2013 Today we posted our Draft Division Enforcement Priorities for 2013 and I invite you to send us your comments. The document will be available for the next 60 days here on our website. You can email us your comments at [email protected] or mail them to NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement, attention Tracy Dunn, 8484 Georgia Ave., Suite 415, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Click here
Pushing the PFD message with fishermen
Years ago fishermen complained they were too bulky. Too hot. Uncomfortable. And, many felt, not needed. But efforts are ongoing to convince fishermen that PFDs, or personal floatation devices, are not the enemy. By law PFDs are required to be on a fishing vessel and anywhere else where there is a risk of drowning. But sometimes getting fishermen to wear PFDs while they’re working can be a different story. Some will. Some won’t. Read more
NOAA’s John Bullard to NEFMC on GOM Cod, GOM Haddock, SNE/MA Winter Flounder and Carryover Provisions
We are bound by what the law says, not what it does not say and§ 305(c) is clear on its face that interim rules are limited to no more than 366 days. It continues to be our position, therefore, that to be consistent with the plain meani
ng of relevant provisions in the MSA, and in light of the clear mandate of the MSA to end overfishing, a second year of interim measures in the case of GOM cod is not justified unless a change in circumstances has created a new emergency situation that would permit such action. At this time there are no new circumstances that would give rise to a new set of interim measures. Read the letter
Divers raise F/V’s Kupreanof, Leading Lady – spill contained but oyster sales shut down – Jakolof Bay
Divers were able to raise the sunken fishing vessels, the F/V’s Kupreanof on Saturday and the Leading Lady Monday from Jakolof Bay, some four weeks after the boats went down in 48 inches of heavy snowfall. 
But enough fuel spilled in the sensitive oyster farm waters that the Alaska Department of Natural Resources announced today, Wednesday, that all commercial sales of the oysters from this area are shut down. Read more
Bycatch, enforcement on the menu at IPHC – Molly Dischner, Alaska Journal
Harvesters at the International Pacific Halibut Commission’s annual meeting returned to their discussion of bycatch today, ultimately passing motions that ask the commission to take serious steps toward reducing bycatch in the Pacific.
Illegal activity at sea
The commission also heard from agencies about enforcement in Alaska today – and all had violations to report. Read more
Young named to two fisheries related committees
Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska, has received subcommittee assignments on the House Natural Resources and House Transportation and Infrastructure committees for the 113th Congress, both important to the commercial fisheries industry. Read more
Northeast Fishery Bulletin Northeast Sink Gillnet Fisheries Reminder. Coastal Gulf of Maine Closure Area,Effective Date: February 1, 2013
The Coastal Gulf of Maine Closure Area is in effect beginning February 1 and ending March 31. The two-year average bycatch rate in the Southern New England Management Area has not exceeded the target rate. Therefore, the Eastern Cape Cod and Cape Cod South Expansion Consequence Closure Areas will not be closed at this time. We will continue to monitor bycatch rates in these areas. Read more
The National Ocean Policy Coalition update
I. Greenwire: ‘Zoning’ Has Become A Bad Word For Backers Of Obama Marine Policy
II. EPA Administrator Announces Resignation
III. Salazar Announces Intention To Resign
IV. BOEM Director Selected To Fill Senior Position At Interior
V. Northeast Regional Planning Body To Meet In April
VI. Deadline Nears For ORAP Nominations
VII. EPA Releases Final 2012 National Water Program Strategy
VIII. Initial Draft Of National Climate Assessment Released For Public Comment
IX. NOAA Seeks Comments On Expansion Of Two National Marine Sanctuaries
X. NOAA Announces Adjustment Of West Coast Shipping Lanes
XI. NOAA Solicits Interest For Hydrographic Services Review Panel Membership
XII. Availability Of Seats On Flower Garden Banks Nat’l Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council
XIII. Availability Of Seat On Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee
XIV. Availability Of Seats On National Boating Safety Advisory Council
XV. Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council To Hold Public Teleconference
XVI. U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System Advisory Committee To Hold Open Meeting
XVII. Marine Mammal Commission To Hold Open Sessions In Florida and California Read more
Business: Outer Banks Boat builders see business rise
“At one time we had 20 major boat builders right here in Dare County, but the last few years boat building has slowed down. Now we’re down to about six boat builders. That’s how many boat builders we’ve lost in the last five years with
the recession.” Read more
Lobstermen share concerns about 2013 season – Glut of lobster expected next season – video
The commissioner of the Maine Department of Marine Resources met with concerned fishermen in Scarborough and Bath on Wednesday. There was a great deal of concern, and there wasn’t an empty seat at either meeting. Seasoned lobstermen said prices for their catch in 2012 was so low that it was almost not worth pulling their traps. One lobsterman, who said he has been fishing the waters off Scarborough all of his life, said he’s not sure what anyone can do to change the trend and believed it’s a cycle like anything else. Read more
U.S. fishermen don’t want 1981 U.S.-Canada Albacore Treaty renewed
CHARLESTON — A treaty between the U.S. and Canada has allowed fisherman of both countries to fish each other’s waters for the past 30 years, but a growing number of U.S. fisherman say the treaty’s time is up. The U.S.-Canada Albaco
re Treaty of 1981 granted reciprocal albacore tuna fishing privileges. The treaty’s most recent term expired in 2011, and the State Department wants to renew it in 2013. But that doesn’t sit well with fishermen such as Frank Akers and Rick Goche. Read more
Dr. Steven Lohrenz Letter: SMAST puts independent science first
………At the same time, our faculty will continue to grow important research programs in coastal management, sea level rise, climate change, marine renewable energy, ocean sensing technology and other areas that will shape our regional 
economy and quality of life.
Anybody who remains skeptical of SMAST’s commitment to high-quality research should consider that we are also moving ahead with a $45 million expansion of SMAST in New Bedford. This is a tangible and transformational investment in the future of one of America’s greatest ports. Read more
GloucesterTimes.com Editorial: NOAA leaders should extend current cod rules
Indeed, it’s time that NOAA officials realize that, until there is true cooperative research and stock assessments involving both the government and the industry, there will be dire credibility questions about science from an agency that
admittedly used the wrong-sized nets and other gear in the infamous “Trawlgate” scandal at the turn of the new century, and from an agency led by a “scientist” — outgoing NOAA administrator Jane Lubchenco — who was a major signer to the alarmist “Oceans of Abundance” report that was corporately funded by the Walton Foundation of Walmart fame, and has been widely refuted across the marine science community. Read more
To the Editor: Tisbury Fishermen harmed by multiplying rules
The shellfish warden and shellfish committee have made it hard for Tisbury commercial fishermen to make a living without being harassed by a new regulation every week. By the warden’s and shellfish committee’s own admission (November 2011 selectmen’s meeting): We want to make access to the pond difficult to slow down the pressure on the pond. Read more
Outer Banks Watermen call for emergency action on inlet
Men and women employed in the commercial fishing, charter boat and boat building industries on the Outer Banks lined the perimeter of the Dare County Board of Commissioners meeting room at the board’s Jan. 7 meeting, waiting for their opportunity to speak during public comment. Read more
The Coast Guard terminated the voyage of the 43-foot fishing vessel Coral
KODIAK, Alaska — The Coast Guard terminated the voyage of a fishing vessel in Prince William Sound for safety violations Monday. A boarding team from the Coast Guard Cutter Mustang escorted the 43-foot fishing vessel Coral to Whittier after they discovered the crew operating without functional fire extinguishers. Read more
First hearing Thursday on plans to expand ocean sanctuaries
Environmentalists, commercial fishing representatives and others have hailed the new plans, saying they protect an important resource, and not just for wildlife. “Sanctuaries are known allies to the economic interests that depend on a clean coast,” said Richard Charter, a veteran anti-drilling lobbyist and Jenner area resident who serves as senior fellow of the Ocean Foundation. Read more
Marin waters teem with herring
The birds swarming the shores of Sausalito are not after tourists’ French fries. They’re hungry for herring. The small fish have returned to San Francisco Bay en masse this year. Read more
Reminder : Your Webinar is on Wednesday, January 23, 2013 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM EST NEFMC SSC Meeting
Join us on Wednesday, January 23, 2013 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM EST
Agenda: The New England Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) will meet to review Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank cod stock assessments from the Northeast Stock Assessment Workshop/Stock Assessment Review Committee (SAW/SARC 55) and develop ABC recommendations for these stocks fishing years 2013 through 2015. The committee may not develop all the recommendations for these stocks at this meeting. Other business may be discussed. Read more Click Committee Meetings January 23, 2013 – Scientific and Statistical Committee**Discussion Documents
Gulf states give up individuality to market shrimp as regional
Gulf Seafood Marketing Coalition. This organization was created in 2011 to join Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida in their coordination efforts on promoting the seafood industry of the area,
especially when up against oil spills and natural disasters. read more
Lawyer seeks to extend filing deadline for BP Gulf oil spill seafood settlement
A Texas lawyer has filed a motion asking the federal judge overseeing the massive BP Gulf of Mexico oil spill litigation to extend the deadline for commercial fishing vessel owners and others to join a $2.3 billion settlement to cover seafood-related claims. Read more
NH Candidates Sought/New England Fishery Management Council – Feb. 5
Breaking: New England Regional Fishery Management Council – Cod limit cuts projected at up to 82 percent
“Based on recent reports developed by fisheries scientists and peer reviewed by independent experts, there is little good news about the health of cod stocks in the Northeast,” the “Based on recent reports developed by fisheries scientists and peer reviewed by independent experts, there is little good news about the health of cod stocks in the Northeast,” the New Englad Fishery Managament Council said in a prepared statement issued today. “The reports, developed during two separate stock assessments held in December and released last week provide an update to the information received a year ago by fishery managers and fishermen alike about the poor condition of Gulf of Maine cod and Georges Bank cod.” said in a prepared statement issued today. Read more
The International Pacific Halibut Commission’s 89th annual meeting began today in Victoria, British Columbia.
Today, Executive Director Bruce Leaman talked about the apportionment process for the halibut, and how it was divided up between areas for the staff presentation on possible catch limits. The opening session also included a presentation by IPHC Chief Assessment Scientist Ian Stewart, who delivered much of the same stock information as he presented at the interim meeting in November. Read more
2013 Annual Meeting Webinar registration (each event)
Cooke Aquaculture authorized to process ISA infected salmon
New Brunswick (NB)-based Cooke Aquaculture is assuring consumers that its fish that
became ill with infectious salmon anemia (ISA) is safe to eat. Read more
Scientists gather in New Orleans to discuss effects of BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill
More than 1,000 scientists and public officials gathered in New Orleans on Monday for the most comprehensive review of scientific information about the short- and long-term effects of the BP Deepwater Horizon accident and spil since it occurred in April 2010. The three-day Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill & Ecosystem Science Conference is aimed at understanding the effects of pollution resulting from the spill and its effect on natural systems in the Gulf and along the shoreline, and on the people who live and work there. Read more
